The "Founding Fathers" included the idea of "separation of powers" in our government because
Responses
A they did not want these powers to be controlled by just one man or one group. they did not want these powers to be controlled by just one man or one group.
B they wanted to make sure that Congress would have more power than the other two branches.they wanted to make sure that Congress would have more power than the other two branches.
C they wanted to make sure that the president would have more power than the other two branches.they wanted to make sure that the president would have more power than the other two branches.
D they wanted to make sure that the Supreme Court would have more power than the other two branches.
A they did not want these powers to be controlled by just one man or one group.
A they did not want these powers to be controlled by just one man or one group.
The correct answer is A - they did not want these powers to be controlled by just one man or one group.
To arrive at this answer, we need to understand the concept of "separation of powers" and the motivations of the Founding Fathers in including it in our government structure.
The idea of separation of powers emphasizes the division of governmental authority among different branches or entities, preventing any single individual or group from having complete control over all aspects of governance. This system ensures a system of checks and balances, where each branch has its own distinct powers and responsibilities.
The Founding Fathers, influenced by the principles of Enlightenment thinkers such as Montesquieu, wanted to avoid abuses of power that they had witnessed under British rule. They sought to establish a system that would prevent tyranny or the concentration of power. By separating the powers of the government into three branches - the executive, legislative, and judicial - they aimed to create a system of shared and limited authority.
Option A correctly states the motivations of the Founding Fathers. They did not want these powers to be controlled by just one man or one group, as this would risk the accumulation of too much power in the hands of a single entity and increase the likelihood of abuse. The separation of powers was designed to promote a system of checks and balances, with each branch having its own powers and limitations to maintain a balance of power within the government.